Winner of a Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing Research, this book facilitates an understanding of hoshin kanri as a grand design implemented through a system of team agreements. It defines an improved X-matrix that incorporates a scorecard for identifying improvement opportunities and converting them into bottom line results in terms that financial managers can support. Beyond theory, it demonstrates the mechanics of hoshin kanri to accelerate brand equity while initiating Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma improvements. The accompanying CD contains forms, meeting agendas, and examples of X-matrices that are applicable to marketing, design engineering, and manufacturing.